(Previously Online Learning Coaches Service)
The Academic Tech Coaches are here all semester to help QCC students in any type of course (in-person, in-person-blended, online, and remote-blended).
Students are encouraged to contact the Academic Tech Coaches if they need assistance with any of the following:
- Navigating their Blackboard course
- Accessing course materials
- Accessing and/or submitting assignments
- Using access codes for course software
- Logging in to a Zoom course
- Using Zoom, Blackboard, The Q, student email, or other online tools
Videos
Peer Tech Coaches
The Peer Tech Coaches work closely with the Academic Tech Coaches to help students with all of these same issues. This drop-in service is located in room 208HLC (The Writing Center) and B61A (The Student Success Mentoring Center). Students can drop in anytime during their hours.
The Peer Tech Coaches are not available during the Summer 1 and Summer 2 semesters, but will be back for the Fall 2025 semester. Please contact the Academic Tech Coaches for assistance.
Northstar: Free Computer Skills Software Program for QCC Students
Do you want to improve your computer skills for free? QCC has Northstar Digital Literacy, which is a free software program that allows you to gain skills in the following areas:
Essential Computer Skills | Essential Software Skills | Using Technology in Daily Life |
| Phone Keyboard Basics & Logging In | Microsoft Word | Social Media |
Basic Computer Skills | Excel | Information Literacy |
Internet Basics | PowerPoint | Career Search Skills |
Using Email | Google Docs | Accessing Telehealth Appointments |
Windows OS | Your Digital Footprint | |
Mac OS |
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With Northstar, you choose which topics you want to learn more about. These interactive lessons allow you to learn the skills you need to be successful here at QCC, at work, and in your personal life. The Northstar Digital Literacy program lets you complete lessons on your own schedule.
If you would like to be enrolled in Northstar and attend a short workshop on Zoom showing you how to use this software, please email the Academic Tech Coaches at AcademicTechCoaches@qcc.mass.edu or log into Navigate360 and use the Hand Raise “I need help improving my computer skills.”
Online Student Success Course
Set yourself up for success and earn a badge by taking QCC’s free 90-minute self-paced Online Student Success course in Blackboard! The Academic Tech Coaches facilitate this course, so you are welcome to email them if you have questions.
If you are already logged in to Blackboard, you may go directly to the course; if you are not, it will bring you to the Blackboard log in page, and after you log in, it will direct you to the course. Please note: this course is available to current QCC students, even if you are not taking an online course. If you are registered for at least one QCC course and do not see the Online Student Success course after following the steps above, please email AcademicTechCoaches@qcc.mass.edu.
Introduction to Blackboard and QCC Resources
In this free, self-paced course, you will learn more about Blackboard, student email, and how to get the tools and support you need to be a better learner and get the most out of your in-person, in-person-blended, remote-blended, and online courses!
If you are already logged in to Blackboard, you may go directly to the course; if you are not, it will bring you to the Blackboard log in page, and after you log in, it will direct you to the course. Please note: this course is available to current QCC students. If you are registered for at least one QCC course and do not see the Introduction to Blackboard and QCC Resources course after following the steps above, please email AcademicTechCoaches@qcc.mass.edu.